Cabinet Office

Dr Cunningham Welcomes Science And Technology Committee Report

The Government today welcomed the Report of the House of Commons Science and Technology Committee, published yesterday, on the Scientific Advisory System: Genetically Modified Foods.

Dr Jack Cunningham, Minister for the Cabinet Office and Chairman of the Ministerial Group on Biotechnology and Genetic Modification said:

"We are pleased that the Science and Technology Committee has been able to issue their report so quickly. Publication of this report is timely, as we will very shortly be announcing the outcome of the review of the regulatory framework which we launched in December.

"In particular we welcome the Committee's conclusion that "GM technology has the potential to deliver significant benefits to the UK through its application to agriculture and food", and that the Committee has "been impressed by the robustness and expertise of both ACRE and ACNFP".

"We further welcome the Committee's finding that there is "no evidence to suggest that the risks associated with growing GM crops or eating GM crops are high enough to justify calls that have been made for a moratorium".

"We agree that rational debate is an essential element in developing the appropriate response to this technology. The Government is committed to debate and listening to the views of other interested parties. Our primary objective remains to protect human health and the environment, whilst gaining the benefits that arise from this exciting, fast moving technology".

Some very detailed recommendations have been made by the Committee and the Government will be considering them carefully before responding in detail.